Image generation device and head-up display

Abstract

Provided are an image generation device capable of preventing the occurrence of glare, and a head-up display (HUD) provided with the image generation device. An image generation device (24A) for generating an image for HUD is provided with: a first light source (111A); a second light source (111B) disposed at a constant distance from the first light source (111A); a lens (120) for transmitting light emitted from the first light source (111A) and the second light source (111B); and a display device (130) for forming light for generating an image by means of light transmitted through the lens (120). The lens (120) is configured from a first region (121A) through which light from the first light source (111A) is transmitted, and a second region (121B) which is coupled in parallel to the first region (121A) and through which light from the second light source (111B) is transmitted. The image generation device (24A) is further provided with a light-blocking section (144) that prevents light from the first light source (111A) from passing through the second region (121B) and that prevents light from the second light source (111B) from passing through the first region (121A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image generating device and a head-up display having the image generating device. Background Art

[0002] In the future autonomous driving society, it is expected that visual communication between vehicles and people will become increasingly important. For example, it is expected that visual communication between a vehicle and its occupants will become increasingly important. In this regard, a head-up display (HUD) can be used to achieve visual communication between the vehicle and its occupants. The head-up display projects images and videos onto a windshield or a combiner, and the images are overlapped with the real space through the windshield or the combiner so that the occupants can visually confirm them, thereby achieving the so-called AR (Augmented Reality).

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an illumination device for transmissive illumination of a liquid crystal display device as a head-up display. The illumination device includes a plurality of light sources and a polarization conversion element. The polarization conversion element includes a light-transmitting component that transmits light, a polarization separation film that transmits p-polarized light in light incident on the light-transmitting component and reflects s-polarized light, and a reflection portion that reflects p-polarized light that has passed through the polarization separation film.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-4673

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in the lighting device such as Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in preventing the occurrence of glare. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image generating device capable of preventing the occurrence of glare and a head-up display including the image generating device.

[0010] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes:

[0012] An image generating device for generating an image for a head-up display comprises:

[0013] The first light source;

[0014] a second light source, the second light source being arranged at a constant distance from the first light source;

[0015] a lens that transmits light emitted from the first light source and the second light source; and

[0016] A display device that forms light for generating the image using the light transmitted through the lens,

[0017] The lens is composed of a first region that transmits the first light from the first light source and a second region that is connected in parallel with the first region and transmits the second light from the second light source.

[0018] The image generating device further includes a light shielding portion configured to prevent the first light from transmitting through the second region and to prevent the second light from transmitting through the first region.

[0019] According to the image generating device having the above configuration, the light shielding portion can prevent glare caused by light from the first light source passing through the second region of the lens or light from the second light source passing through the first region of the lens.

[0020] Furthermore, in the image generating device of the present invention, it is also possible that:

[0021] A holding frame is also provided, the holding frame holding the lens,

[0022] The light shielding portion is provided on the holding frame in a state of being arranged between the first light source and the second light source in a space formed between the first light source and the second light source and the lens.

[0023] According to the above configuration, since the light shielding portion is provided on the holder, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a case where the light shielding portion and the holder are provided separately. Thus, the image generating device can be manufactured at low cost.

[0024] Furthermore, in the image generating device of the present invention, it is also possible that:

[0025] The light shielding portion is a protruding portion that protrudes from a third region formed between the first region and the second region on the incident surface of the lens toward the first light source and the second light source side.

[0026] According to the above configuration, since the light shielding portion is provided so as to protrude from the lens, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a case where the light shielding portion and the lens are provided separately. Thus, the image generating device can be manufactured at low cost.

[0027] Furthermore, in the image generating device of the present invention, it is also possible that:

[0028] The light shielding portion is a textured surface provided between the first area and the second area on the incident surface of the lens. Alternatively, the light shielding portion may include a textured surface provided between the first area and the second area on the incident surface of the lens in addition to the light shielding portion provided on the retaining frame.

[0029] According to the above structure, glare can be reliably prevented through simple processing.

[0030] Furthermore, in the image generating device of the present invention, it is also possible that:

[0031] The light shielding portion includes a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface.

[0032] The first reflecting surface is arranged in a space formed between the first light source, the second light source and the lens at a position that reflects light from the first light source toward the second area toward the first area.

[0033] The second reflecting surface is arranged in the space at a position that reflects light from the second light source toward the first region toward the second region.

[0034] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of glare without reducing the effective utilization rate of the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source.

[0035] Furthermore, in the image generating device of the present invention, it is also possible that:

[0036] The incident surface and the emitting surface of each of the first region and the second region are both aspherical lenses formed into convex surfaces.

[0037] According to the above configuration, the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source can be corrected for aberration by the lens and can be incident on the display device as parallel light, thereby improving the accuracy of generating a virtual image.

[0038] In addition, the head-up display of the present invention comprises:

[0039] Any of the above image generating devices; and

[0040] and at least one reflecting unit configured to reflect the light emitted by the image generating device so as to irradiate the light toward a windshield or a combiner.

[0041] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a head-up display including an image generating device capable of preventing the occurrence of glare.

[0042] Effects of the Invention

[0043] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image generating device capable of preventing the occurrence of glare and a head-up display including the image generating device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a vehicle system including a head-up display (HUD) according to the present embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the HUD.

[0046] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the image generating device according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA line section view.

[0048] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 3 A stereoscopic view of a lens holder of an image generating device.

[0049] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 BB cross-sectional view.

[0050] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the image generating device in a state where no light shielding portion is provided.

[0051] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image generating device according to a second embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 8 A stereoscopic view of the lens of the image generating device shown.

[0053] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image generating device according to a third embodiment.

[0054] Fig.11 Yes means Fig.10 A stereoscopic view of the lens of the image generating device shown.

[0055] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image generating device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0056] Fig.13 Yes means Fig.12 A stereoscopic view of a lens holder of an image generating device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0058] In the description of this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "front-back direction" are sometimes mentioned as appropriate. These directions are for Figure 2 The relative directions set by the HUD (Head-Up Display) 20 shown in FIG. Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-back direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "backward direction". Figure 2 Although not shown, the left-right direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-back direction.

[0059] Below, refer to Figure 1 A vehicle system 2 including the HUD 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle system 2. A vehicle 1 equipped with the vehicle system 2 is a vehicle (car) that can travel in an automatic driving mode.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle system 2 includes a vehicle control unit 3, a sensor 5, a camera 6, a radar 7, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 9, a wireless communication unit 10, and a storage device 11. In addition, the vehicle system 2 includes a steering actuator 12, a steering device 13, a brake actuator 14, a brake device 15, an acceleration actuator 16, and an acceleration device 17. The vehicle system 2 also includes a HUD 20.

[0061] The vehicle control unit 3 is configured to control the driving of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control unit 4 is composed of, for example, at least one electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit includes a computer system (for example, SoC (System on a Chip), etc.) having one or more processors and memories and an electronic circuit composed of active elements such as transistors and passive elements such as resistors. The processor includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). The CPU may also be composed of multiple CPU cores. The GPU may also be composed of multiple GPU cores. The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The vehicle control program may also be stored in the ROM. For example, the vehicle control program may also include an artificial intelligence (AI) program for autonomous driving. The AI ​​program is a program (learning completed model) constructed by supervised or unsupervised machine learning (especially deep learning) using a multi-layer neural network. The vehicle control program, the vehicle control data and / or the surrounding environment information representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 may also be temporarily stored in the RAM. The processor may also be configured to expand the program specified from the various vehicle control programs stored in the ROM on the RAM, and execute various processes by cooperating with the RAM. In addition, the computer system may also be composed of a non-Neumann computer such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, the computer system may also be composed of a combination of a Neumann computer and a non-Neumann computer.

[0062] The sensor 5 includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, and a gyro sensor. The sensor 5 is configured to detect the driving state of the vehicle 1 and output driving state information to the vehicle control unit 3. The sensor 5 may also include: a seat sensor for detecting whether the driver is sitting in the driver's seat; a face direction sensor for detecting the direction of the driver's face; an external weather sensor for detecting external weather conditions; and a human body sensor for detecting whether there is a person in the vehicle.

[0063] The camera 6 is a camera including an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS), etc. The camera 6 includes one or more external cameras 6A and an internal camera 6B.

[0064] The external camera 6A is configured to, after acquiring image data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1, further send the image data to the vehicle control unit 3. The vehicle control unit 3 acquires surrounding environment information based on the sent image data. Here, the surrounding environment information may also include information related to objects (pedestrians, other vehicles, signs, etc.) existing outside the vehicle 1. For example, the surrounding environment information may also include information related to the attributes of objects existing outside the vehicle 1 and information related to the distance and position of the objects relative to the vehicle 1. The external camera 6A may also be configured as a monocular camera or a stereo camera.

[0065] The interior camera 6B is configured to be disposed inside the vehicle 1 and to acquire image data representing the occupant. The interior camera 6B is used, for example, as a viewpoint E (hereinafter referred to as a viewpoint E) for tracking the occupant. Figure 2 The interior camera 6B is provided, for example, near a rear-view mirror or inside a dashboard.

[0066] The radar 7 includes at least one of a millimeter wave radar, a microwave radar, and a laser radar (e.g., a LiDAR unit). For example, the LiDAR unit is configured to detect the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1. In particular, the LiDAR unit is configured to, after acquiring 3D mapping data (point cloud data) representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1, further send the 3D mapping data to the vehicle control unit 3. The vehicle control unit 3 determines the surrounding environment information based on the sent 3D mapping data.

[0067] The HMI 8 is composed of an input unit that receives input operations from the driver and an output unit that outputs driving information, etc. to the driver. The input unit includes a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a driving mode switch that switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1, etc. The output unit is a display (excluding the HUD) that displays various driving information.

[0068] The GPS 9 is configured to acquire current position information of the vehicle 1 and output the acquired current position information to the vehicle control unit 3 .

[0069] The wireless communication unit 10 is configured to receive information related to other vehicles around the vehicle 1 (for example, driving information, etc.) from other vehicles, and to send information related to the vehicle 1 (for example, driving information, etc.) to other vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle communication). In addition, the wireless communication unit 10 is configured to receive infrastructure information from infrastructure equipment such as signal lights and marker lights, and to send driving information of the vehicle 1 to the infrastructure equipment (road-to-vehicle communication). In addition, the wireless communication unit 10 is configured to receive information related to pedestrians from portable electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, etc.) carried by pedestrians, and to send vehicle driving information of the vehicle 1 to the portable electronic devices (pedestrian-to-vehicle communication). The vehicle 1 can communicate directly with other vehicles, infrastructure equipment or portable electronic devices through an ad hoc mode, or can communicate through an access point. Moreover, the vehicle 1 can also communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure equipment or portable electronic devices through a communication network not shown in the figure. The communication network includes at least one of the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) and a radio access network (RAN). The wireless communication standard is, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), LPWA, DSRC (registered trademark), or Li-Fi. In addition, the vehicle 1 can also communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure equipment, or portable electronic devices using the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G).

[0070] The storage device 11 is an external storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Two-dimensional or three-dimensional map information and / or a vehicle control program may also be stored in the storage device 11. For example, three-dimensional map information may also be composed of 3D mapping data (point cloud data). The storage device 11 is configured to output map information and a vehicle control program to the vehicle control unit 3 in response to a request from the vehicle control unit 3. The map information and the vehicle control program may also be updated via the wireless communication unit 10 and the communication network.

[0071] When the vehicle 1 is traveling in the automatic driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 automatically generates at least one of a steering control signal, an acceleration control signal, and a braking control signal based on driving state information, surrounding environment information, current position information, map information, etc. The steering actuator 12 is configured to receive a steering control signal from the vehicle control unit 3, and control a steering device 13 based on the received steering control signal. The brake actuator 14 is configured to receive a brake control signal from the vehicle control unit 3, and control a brake device 15 based on the received brake control signal. The acceleration actuator 16 is configured to receive an acceleration control signal from the vehicle control unit 3, and control an acceleration device 17 based on the received acceleration control signal. In this way, the vehicle control unit 3 automatically controls the driving of the vehicle 1 based on the driving state information, surrounding environment information, current position information, map information, etc. That is, in the automatic driving mode, the driving of the vehicle 1 is automatically controlled by the vehicle system 2.

[0072] On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 is traveling in the manual driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 generates a steering control signal, an acceleration control signal, and a braking control signal according to the driver's manual operation of the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, and the steering wheel. Thus, in the manual driving mode, since the steering control signal, the acceleration control signal, and the braking control signal are generated by the driver's manual operation, the driving of the vehicle 1 is controlled by the driver.

[0073] As described above, the driving mode includes an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. The automatic driving mode includes, for example, a fully automatic driving mode, a highly driven driving assistance mode, and a driving assistance mode. In the fully automatic driving mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving controls of steering control, braking control, and acceleration control, and the driver is not in a state where he can drive the vehicle 1. In the highly driven driving assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving controls of steering control, braking control, and acceleration control, and the driver does not drive the vehicle 1 although he is in a state where he can drive the vehicle 1. In the driving assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs driving controls of a part of the steering control, braking control, and acceleration control, and the driver drives the vehicle 1 with the driving assistance of the vehicle system 2. On the other hand, in the manual driving mode, the vehicle system 2 does not automatically perform driving control, and the driver drives the vehicle 1 without the driving assistance of the vehicle system 2.

[0074] The HUD 20 is configured to display predetermined information (hereinafter referred to as HUD information) as an image toward the occupants of the vehicle 1 in a manner that overlaps the real space outside the vehicle 1 (particularly, the surrounding environment in front of the vehicle 1). The HUD information displayed by the HUD 20 is, for example, vehicle driving information related to the driving of the vehicle 1 and / or surrounding environment information related to the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 (particularly, information related to objects existing outside the vehicle 1). The HUD 20 is an AR display that functions as a visual interface between the vehicle 1 and the occupants.

[0075] The HUD 20 includes an image generating unit (PGU) 24 and a control unit 25 .

[0076] The image generating device 24 is configured to emit light for generating a predetermined image to be displayed to an occupant of the vehicle 1. The image generating device 24 can emit light for generating a changing image that changes according to the situation of the vehicle 1, for example.

[0077] The control unit 25 controls the operation of each part of the HUD 20. The control unit 25 is connected to the vehicle control unit 3, and generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the image generating device 24 based on, for example, vehicle driving information, surrounding environment information, etc. sent from the vehicle control unit 3, and sends the generated control signal to the image generating device 24. The control unit 25 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU and a memory, and the processor executes a computer program read from the memory to control the operation of the image generating device 24, etc. In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle control unit 3 and the control unit 25 are set as separate structures, but the vehicle control unit 3 and the control unit 25 can also be configured as a whole. For example, the vehicle control unit 3 and the control unit 25 can also be composed of separate electronic control units.

[0078] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the HUD 20 viewed from the side of the vehicle 1. At least a portion of the HUD 20 is located inside the vehicle 1. Specifically, the HUD 20 is provided at a predetermined location inside the vehicle 1. For example, the HUD 20 may be disposed in the instrument panel of the vehicle 1.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the HUD 20 includes a HUD main body 21. The HUD main body 21 includes a main body shell 22 and an emission window 23. The emission window 23 is composed of a transparent plate that allows visible light to pass through. The HUD main body 21 includes an image generating device 24, a concave mirror 26 (an example of a reflecting unit), and a plane mirror 28 inside the main body shell 22. In addition, the control unit 25 of the HUD 20 is accommodated in the image generating device 24 in this embodiment.

[0080] The image generating device 24 is provided in the main body housing 22 so as to emit light upward. The plane mirror 28 is arranged on the optical path of the light emitted from the image generating device 24. Specifically, the plane mirror 28 is arranged above the image generating device 24 and is configured to reflect the light emitted from the image generating device 24 toward the concave mirror 26.

[0081] The concave mirror 26 is arranged on the optical path of the light emitted from the image generating device 24 and reflected by the plane mirror 28. Specifically, the concave mirror 26 is arranged in front of the image generating device 24 and the plane mirror 28 in the main body housing 22. The concave mirror 26 is configured to reflect the light emitted from the image generating device 24 toward the windshield 18 (for example, the front window glass of the vehicle 1). The concave mirror 26 has a concavely curved reflecting surface to form a prescribed image, and reflects the image of the light emitted from the image generating device 24 and formed at a prescribed magnification. The concave mirror 26 may also have, for example, a driving mechanism 27, and be configured to be able to change the position and direction of the concave mirror 26 based on a control signal sent from the control unit 25.

[0082] The light emitted from the image generating device 24 is reflected by the plane mirror 28 and the concave mirror 26 and emitted from the emission window 23 of the HUD main body 21. The light emitted from the emission window 23 of the HUD main body 21 is irradiated toward the windshield 18. A portion of the light irradiated from the emission window 23 toward the windshield 18 is reflected toward the viewpoint E of the occupant. As a result, the occupant recognizes the light emitted from the HUD main body 21 as a virtual image (prescribed image) formed at a prescribed distance in front of the windshield 18. In this way, the image displayed by the HUD 20 overlaps with the display space in front of the vehicle 1 through the windshield 18, with the result that the occupant can visually confirm that the virtual image object I formed by the prescribed image floats on the road outside the vehicle.

[0083] Here, the viewpoint E of the occupant may be either the viewpoint of the left eye or the viewpoint of the right eye of the occupant. In addition, the viewpoint E may also be defined as the midpoint of a line segment connecting the viewpoint of the left eye and the viewpoint of the right eye. The position of the viewpoint E of the occupant is determined based on, for example, image data acquired by the internal camera 6B. The position of the viewpoint E of the occupant may be updated at a predetermined period, or may be determined only once when the vehicle 1 is started.

[0084] In addition, when a 2D image (plane image) is formed as a virtual object I, a predetermined image is projected in a manner that becomes a virtual image of a single distance determined arbitrarily. In the case of forming a 3D image (stereoscopic image) as a virtual image object I, a plurality of predetermined images that are the same as or different from each other are projected in a manner that becomes virtual images of different distances. In addition, the distance of the virtual image object I (the distance from the viewpoint E of the occupant to the virtual image) can be appropriately adjusted by adjusting the distance from the image generating device 24 to the viewpoint E of the occupant (for example, adjusting the distance between the image generating device 24 and the concave mirror 26).

[0085] (First Embodiment)

[0086] Reference Figures 3 to 7 The image generating device 24A according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0087] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the image generating device 24A. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA line section view.

[0088] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the image generating device 24A includes: a light source substrate 110, which is equipped with a light source 111 (a first light source 111A and a second light source 111B); a lens 120, which is arranged on the upper side of the light source 111; and a display device 130, which is arranged on the upper side of the lens 120. The image generating device 24A also includes: a lens holder 140, which is arranged on the upper side of the light source substrate 110; a heat sink 150, which is arranged on the lower side of the light source substrate 110; and a PGU housing 160, which accommodates the various parts of the image generating device 24A. The light source substrate 110, the lens 120, the lens holder 140 and the heat sink 150 are screwed to the PGU housing 160, for example, by screws 161. In addition, the display device 130 is mounted on the upper surface of the PGU housing 160.

[0089] The light source 111 (the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B) is, for example, a laser light source or an LED light source. The laser light source is, for example, an RGB laser light source configured to emit red laser, green laser, and blue laser, respectively. The first light source 111A and the second light source 111B are arranged on the light source substrate 110 at a constant distance in the left-right direction. The light source substrate 110 is, for example, a printed substrate in which circuit wiring is printed on the surface of the board and an insulator is formed inside.

[0090] The lens 120 is, for example, an aspherical convex lens having a convex surface 122 for incident light from the light source 111 and an emitting surface 123 for emitting the incident light. The lens 120 is configured to transmit or reflect the light emitted from the light source 111 and emit it toward the display device 130 .

[0091] The lens 120 in the first embodiment has a first area 121A and a second area 121B, through which the first light emitted from the first light source 111A passes, and through which the second light emitted from the second light source 111B passes. The first light source 111A and the second light source 111B are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The first area 121A is an aspherical convex lens corresponding to the first light source 111A. The second area 121B is an aspherical convex lens corresponding to the second light source 111B. The incident surface 122A of the first area 121A and the incident surface 122B of the second area 121B are convex incident surfaces that are slightly raised downward. The exit surface 123A of the first area 121A and the exit surface 123B of the second area 121B are convex exit surfaces that are raised upward. A portion of the right side of the first area 121A arranged on the left side and a portion of the left side of the second area 121B arranged on the right side are combined. The lens 120 is mounted on the lens holder 140 such that the center of the light emitting surface of the first light source 111A becomes the focal position of the first region 121A and the center of the light emitting surface of the second light source 111B becomes the focal position of the second region 121B.

[0092] The display device 130 is a liquid crystal display, a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), or the like. The display device 130 forms light for generating a predetermined image from the light of the light source 111 that passes through the lens 120. The display device 130 is mounted on the upper surface portion of the PGU housing 160 with the light emitting surface for emitting light for generating an image facing the upper side of the image generating device 24A. The display device 130 is mounted on the PGU housing 160, for example, from the upper surface side of the PGU housing 160. The drawing method of the image generating device 24A may also be a raster scanning method, a DLP method, or an LCOS method. In the case of adopting the DLP method or the LCOS method, the light source 111 of the image generating device 24A may also be an LED light source. In addition, in the case of adopting the liquid crystal display method, the light source 111 of the image generating device 24A may also be a white LED light source.

[0093] The lens holder 140 holds the lens 120 in the PGU housing 160 in such a manner that the light emitted from the light source 111 is correctly incident on the incident surface 122 of the lens 120. Figure 5 The detailed structure of the lens holding frame 140 will be described.

[0094] The heat sink 150 is formed of aluminum or copper having high thermal conductivity and is provided in contact with the back surface of the light source substrate 110 in order to dissipate heat generated from the light source substrate 110 .

[0095] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the lens holder 140 as viewed from the lens 120 side. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lens holder 140 includes: a pair of mounting portions 141 formed with mounting holes 142 for screws 161; and a frame portion 143 provided between the pair of mounting portions 141. The frame portion 143 is provided with a light shielding portion 144 capable of shielding light emitted from the light source 111. The light shielding portion 144 is provided at the center portion in the left-right direction of the lens holder 140 in a manner connecting the front frame portion 143A and the rear frame portion 143B along the front-back direction of the lens holder 140. The light shielding portion 144 is formed integrally with the lens holder 140.

[0096] The light shielding portion 144 has a rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view (see Figure 4 ). The light shielding portion 144 is provided in a space 170 formed between the first light source 111A, the second light source 111B and the lens 120, so as to be arranged between the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B. The light shielding portion 144 can prevent the first light emitted from the first light source 111A from passing through the second area 121B of the lens 120, and can prevent the second light emitted from the second light source 111B from passing through the first area 121A of the lens 120. In order to absorb the light emitted from each light source 111A, 111B without being reflected, it is preferred that the surface of the light shielding portion 144 is painted black, for example.

[0097] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 BB line cross-sectional view. Figure 6 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the lens 120 along the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the first region 121A. Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the first region 121A shown has the same structure, and therefore detailed description and illustration are omitted.

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, the first region 121A of the lens 120 includes an incident portion 127A including an incident surface 122A and a flange 126A provided to be continuous with the incident surface 122A at the periphery thereof. An outer side surface 126A1 of the flange 126A contacts an inner side surface 145 of the lens holder 140 .

[0099] The first region 121A also includes a vertical wall surface 124A connecting the incident portion 127A and the emission surface 123A. In the example of the lens 120 of the first embodiment, the vertical wall surface 124A is formed on the upper periphery and the lower periphery of the lens 120, respectively. The vertical wall surface 124A is formed in a shape that expands from the center of the lens 120 toward the outside as it moves from the emission surface 123A toward the incident portion 127A. In other words, the vertical wall surface 124A is formed to be inclined relative to the direction V (the direction along the center line of the lens) that is orthogonal to the surface of the light source substrate 110 on which the first light source 111A is mounted. The inclination angle θ of the vertical wall surface 124A is set to be greater than 5 degrees, preferably greater than 15 degrees. If the inclination angle θ is smaller than 5 degrees, it is difficult to demold the lens 120 from the mold when the lens 120 is formed by a mold.

[0100] A light shielding portion 165 is provided at least partially around the display device 130, and the light shielding portion 165 shields the light output from the first light source 111A and reflected on the inner surface by the vertical wall surface 124A. In the first embodiment, a portion of the PGU housing 160 that holds the display device 130 functions as the light shielding portion 165. The PGU housing 160 is formed of, for example, a black resin so as to be able to shield the light emitted from the first light source 111A. The light emitted from the first light source 111A, for example, as shown in the optical path 112, is incident on the lens 120 from the incident surface 122A of the lens 120, and is reflected on the vertical wall surface 124A. The light reflected on the vertical wall surface 124A does not enter the display device 130 after being emitted from the emission surface 123A, but is irradiated toward the light shielding portion 165 of the PGU housing 160.

[0101] Figure 7 The figure shows the optical paths of the lights emitted from the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B in the image generating device 24Z in which the lens holding frame 140 is not provided with the light shielding portion 144 .

[0102] Light emitted from the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B is incident on the incident surfaces 122A and 122B of the lens 120. Since the shape of the lens 120 is the same as that of the above-mentioned image generating device 24A, which is a shape in which two aspherical convex lenses are combined in parallel, most of the light emitted from the first light source 111A is incident on the first region 121A of the lens 120 as shown by the first optical path 112A, and becomes light parallel to the optical axis 115A and is incident on the display device 130. Similarly, most of the light emitted from the second light source 111B is incident on the second region 121B as shown by the second optical path 112B, and becomes light parallel to the optical axis 115B and is incident on the display device 130.

[0103] However, since the light shielding portion 144 is not provided in the image generating device 24Z, a part of the light emitted from the first light source 111A is incident on the second region 121B from the incident surface 122B as shown in the third optical path 112C. The light incident on the incident surface 122B from the first light source 111A advances in a direction different from the direction of the optical axis 115A as shown in the third optical path 112C and is incident on the display device 130. Although not shown in the figure, similarly, the light incident on the incident surface 122A of the first region 121A among the light emitted from the second light source 111B advances in a direction different from the direction of the optical axis 115B and is incident on the display device 130. In this way, since the light incident from the first light source 111A onto the incident surface 122B of the second area 121B, or the light incident from the second light source 111B onto the incident surface 122A of the first area 121A, is incident on the display device 130 as light that is not parallel to the optical axes 115A and 115B, there is a concern that it will become glare for the driver of the vehicle 1.

[0104] In contrast, the image generating device 24A of the first embodiment includes: a first light source 111A; a second light source 111B disposed at a constant distance from the first light source 111A; a lens 120 that transmits light emitted from the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B; a display device 130 that forms light for generating an image using the light transmitted through the lens 120; and a lens holder 140 that holds the lens 120. The lens 120 is composed of a first region 121A through which light (an example of first light) emitted from the first light source 111A is transmitted, and a second region 121B that is connected in parallel to the first region 121A, and a light (an example of second light) emitted from the second light source 111B is transmitted through the second region 121B. The lens holder 140 is provided with a light shielding portion 144, which is arranged between the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B in the space 170 between the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B and the lens 120, and prevents the light emitted from the first light source 111A from passing through the second area 121B and prevents the light emitted from the second light source 111B from passing through the first area 121A. According to this structure, it is possible to suppress glare caused by the light from the first light source 111A entering from the incident surface 122B of the lens 120 and passing through the second area 121B, or the light from the second light source 111B entering from the incident surface 122A of the lens 120 and passing through the first area 121A. In addition, since the light shielding portion 144 is provided in the lens holder 140, the number of parts can be reduced compared with the case where the light shielding portion 144 and the lens holder 140 are separately provided. As a result, the image generating device 24A can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0105] In addition, according to the image generating device 24A, the first region 121A and the second region 121B of the lens 120 are aspherical lenses whose incident surfaces 122A, 122B and the exit surfaces 123A, 123B are all formed as convex surfaces. Therefore, the light emitted from the first light source 111A and the light emitted from the second light source 111B can be corrected for aberration by the lens 120 and can be incident on the display device 130 as parallel light. As a result, the generation accuracy of the virtual image object I can be improved.

[0106] In addition, in the image generating device 24A, the lens 120 has: an incident portion 127A having an incident surface 122A for incident light from the light source 111A and a flange portion 126A provided continuously with the incident surface 122A; an exit surface 123A for exiting the light; and a vertical wall surface 124A, which is a portion connecting the incident portion 127A and the exit surface 123A and has a shape that expands from the center of the lens 120 toward the outside as it moves from the exit surface 123A toward the incident portion 127A. A light shielding portion 165 is provided at least partially around the display device 130, and the light shielding portion 165 shields light reflected on the inner surface of the vertical wall surface 124A. For example, in Figure 6 As shown by the dotted line in the figure, when the lens 120 is not provided with the vertical wall surface 124A, the light emitted from the light source 111A and reflected on the inner surface of the dotted line portion of the lens 120 becomes stray light and enters the display device 130. In contrast, when the lens 120 is provided with the vertical wall surface 124A inclined outward from the emission surface 123A toward the incident portion 127A as in the present embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 111A and reflected on the inner surface of the vertical wall surface 124A is irradiated to the light shielding portion 165 and is shielded by the light shielding portion 165. Therefore, the light reflected on the inner surface of the vertical wall surface 124A does not enter the display device 130. As a result, glare caused by the light reflected on the vertical wall surface 124A becoming stray light and entering the display device 130 can be suppressed.

[0107] In addition, the vertical wall surface 124A is erected only from a portion of the outer periphery of the incident portion 127A. Figure 4 As shown, the standing wall surface 124A is provided on the periphery of the lens 120 in the front-rear direction, but is not provided on the periphery of the lens 120 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the size of the effective surface of the lens 120 can be maintained and the generation of glare can be suppressed.

[0108] In addition, by setting the inclination angle θ of the vertical wall surface 124A to 5 degrees or more, the demolding angle of the mold used for lens molding can be ensured and the generation of glare can be suppressed. Moreover, by setting the inclination angle θ of the vertical wall surface 124A to 15 degrees or more, the generation of glare can be further reliably suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the image generating device 24A, at least a portion of the PGU casing 160 is configured to function as the light shielding portion 165. Thus, the light shielding portion 165 can be provided with a simple structure, and the generation of glare can be suppressed.

[0110] (Second Embodiment)

[0111] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The image generating device 24B of the second embodiment will be described. Components denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the image generating device 24A of the first embodiment have the same configuration as that of the image generating device 24A, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the image generating device 24B. Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of the lens 220 included in the image generating device 24B as viewed from the light sources 111A and 111B side.

[0112] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a light shielding portion 225 capable of shielding light emitted from light sources 111A and 111B is provided on incident surface 222 of lens 220 of image generating device 24B. Mounting portions 226 having mounting holes 227 for screws 161 are provided on both left and right sides of lens 220 .

[0113] The light shielding portion 225 is formed by applying a texture process to the incident surface 222. The light shielding portion 225, which is a textured surface, is provided in a strip-shaped manner in a predetermined area between the incident surface 222A of the first area 221A and the incident surface 222B of the second area 221B, which is the central part in the left-right direction of the lens 220. The light shielding portion 225 is provided in a manner spanning a part of the incident surface 222A and a part of the incident surface 222B. The light shielding portion 225 is opposite to the upper surface of the light shielding portion 144 provided on the lens holder 140. The light shielding portion 225 is provided in a manner slightly expanded in both left and right directions compared with the width of the light shielding portion 144 in the left-right direction, for example. The light shielding portion 225 can prevent the light emitted from the first light source 111A from passing through the second area 121B, and can prevent the light emitted from the second light source 111B from passing through the first area 121A.

[0114] Thus, the image generating device 24B of the second embodiment includes the light shielding portion 225 of the lens 220 in addition to the light shielding portion 144 of the lens holder 140. According to this structure, light that is not shielded by the light shielding portion 144, for example Figure 8Light such as the fourth optical path 112D shown can be shielded by the shielding portion 225 of the lens 220. Thus, it is possible to further reliably prevent the light from the first light source 111A from entering the second region 121B from the incident surface 122B or the light from the second light source 111B from entering the first region 121A from the incident surface 122A, thereby further suppressing the generation of glare.

[0115] In the image generating device 24B of the second embodiment, the light shielding portion 144 of the lens holder 140 and the light shielding portion 225 of the lens 220 are provided as the light shielding portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the light shielding portion 144 of the lens holder 140 may not be provided, and only the light shielding portion 225 of the lens 220 may be provided.

[0116] (Third Embodiment)

[0117] Next, refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 The image generating device 24C of the third embodiment will be described. Components denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the image generating device 24A of the first embodiment have the same configuration as the image generating device 24A, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of the image generating device 24C. Fig.11 This is a perspective view of the lens 320 as viewed from the light sources 111A and 111B side.

[0118] The shape of the lens 320 disposed on the upper side of the light source substrate 110 of the image generating device 24C is different from the lens 120 of the image generating device 24A of the first embodiment. In addition, the lens holder 340 provided in the image generating device 24C is different from the lens holder 140 of the image generating device 24A of the first embodiment in that it does not have a light shielding portion.

[0119] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, a light shielding portion 325 is provided on the incident surface 322 of the lens 320, and the light shielding portion 325 can refract the light emitted from the light sources 111A and 111B and incident on the lens 320. On both left and right sides of the lens 320, mounting portions 326 having mounting holes 327 for screws 161 are provided.

[0120] The light shielding portion 325 is provided at the center portion in the left-right direction of the lens 320. The light shielding portion 325 is provided in the third region 321C formed between the first region 321A and the second region 321B. The light shielding portion 325 is provided as a protrusion that protrudes downward from the third region 321C toward the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B side compared to the incident surface 322A of the first region 321A and the incident surface 322B of the second region 321B. The light shielding portion 325 is formed integrally with the lens 320 as a part of the lens 320.

[0121] The light shielding portion 325 is Fig.10 The light shielding portion 325 has, for example, a rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view of FIG. The light shielding portion 325 extends along the front-rear direction of the lens 320. The light shielding portion 325 is provided in a space 170 formed between the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B and the lens 120 so as to be disposed between the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B. The light shielding portion 325 transmits light emitted from the first light source 111A and transmits light emitted from the second light source 111B.

[0122] In this way, the image generating device 24C of the third embodiment includes a light shielding portion 325, which is a protrusion protruding from the third area 321C formed between the first area 321A and the second area 321B toward the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B in the incident surface 322 of the lens 320. According to this structure, since the light shielding portion 325 is provided as a protrusion protruding from the lens 320, the light emitted from the first light source 111A and heading toward the second area 321B can be blocked by the light shielding portion 325. Fig.10 The light shading portion 325 is a first light path 112E shown in the figure, so as not to be incident on the display device 130. Although not shown in the figure, in the same way, the light emitted from the second light source 111B and advancing toward the first area 321A can be refracted by the light shielding portion 325 so as not to be incident on the display device 130. Thus, the glare caused by the light from the first light source 111A passing through the second area 321B or the light from the second light source 111B passing through the first area 321A can be suppressed. In addition, since the light shielding portion 325 is provided as a whole with the lens 320, the number of parts can be reduced compared with the case where the light shielding portion 325 and the lens 320 are provided separately. Thus, the image generating device 24C can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0123] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0124] Next, refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 The image generating device 24D according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Components denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the image generating device 24A according to the first embodiment have the same configuration as that of the image generating device 24A, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view of the image generating device 24D. Fig.13 This is a perspective view of the lens holder 440 included in the image generating device 24D as viewed from the lens 120 side.

[0125] The structure of the lens holder 440 disposed on the upper side of the light source substrate 100 of the image generating device 24D is different from the lens holder 140 of the image generating device 24A of the first embodiment.

[0126] like Fig.13 As shown, the lens holder 440 has: a pair of mounting parts 441, each of which has a mounting hole 442 for the screw 161; and a frame part 443, which is provided between the pair of mounting parts 441. The frame part 443 is provided with a reflecting part 444 (an example of a light shielding part). The reflecting part 444 is provided in the central part in the left-right direction of the lens holder 440 in a manner connecting the front frame part 443A and the rear frame part 443B along the front-back direction of the lens holder 440. The reflecting part 444 is formed integrally with the lens holder 440.

[0127] like Fig.12 As shown, the reflecting portion 444 has a downwardly extending shape in which the width in the left-right direction expands as it moves toward the lower side in the cross-sectional view. That is, the width of the lower surface 444D of the reflecting portion 444 is greater than the width of the upper surface 444C of the reflecting portion 444. The left and right side surfaces of the reflecting portion 444 constitute a first reflecting surface 444A and a second reflecting surface 444B that can reflect the light emitted from the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B. The first reflecting surface 444A and the second reflecting surface 444B are formed as reflecting surfaces that are curved concavely. A metal such as aluminum is vapor-deposited on the first reflecting surface 444A and the second reflecting surface 444B. The reflecting portion 444 is arranged in a space 170 formed between the first light source 111A, the second light source 111B and the lens 120, so as to be arranged between the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B. The first reflecting surface 444A reflects the light emitted from the first light source 111A and toward the second area 121B toward the first area 121A. The second reflective surface 444B reflects the light emitted from the second light source 111B toward the first region 121A toward the second region 121B.

[0128] Thus, according to the image generating device 24D of the fourth embodiment, the lens holder 440 has a reflecting portion 444 having a first reflecting surface 444A and a second reflecting surface 444B that are curved concavely. The first reflecting surface 444A is arranged in a position in the space 170 formed between the first light source 111A, the second light source 111B and the lens 120 so as to reflect light from the first light source 111A toward the second region 121B side toward the first region 121A. The second reflecting surface 444B is arranged in the space 170 so as to reflect light from the second light source 111B toward the first region 121A side toward the second region 121B. Therefore, for example, Fig.12 As shown in the sixth optical path 112F, the light emitted from the first light source 111A and heading toward the second region 121B can be reflected on the first reflection surface 444A and incident on the display device 130 as light substantially parallel to the optical axis 115A. Similarly, as shown in the seventh optical path 112G, for example, the light emitted from the second light source 111B and heading toward the first region 121A can be reflected on the second reflection surface 444B and incident on the display device 130 as light substantially parallel to the optical axis 115B. Thus, the generation of glare can be suppressed without reducing the effective utilization rate of the light emitted from the first light source 111A and the second light source 111B.

[0129] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is self-evident that the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the present embodiment. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present embodiment is only a simple example, and various embodiments can be changed within the scope of the invention described in the scope of protection. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the scope of protection and its equivalent scope.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the light emitted from the image generating device 24 is reflected by the concave mirror 26 and irradiated to the windshield 18, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light reflected by the concave mirror 26 may be irradiated to a combiner (not shown) provided inside the windshield 18. The combiner is composed of, for example, a transparent plastic plate. A part of the light irradiated from the image generating device 24 of the HUD main body 21 to the combiner is reflected toward the viewpoint E of the occupant in the same manner as the light irradiated to the windshield 18.

[0131] In addition, in the above embodiment, the vehicle driving mode includes a fully automatic driving mode, a highly driven driving assistance mode, a driving assistance mode, and a manual angel mode, but the vehicle driving mode is not limited to these four modes. The vehicle driving mode may also include at least one of these four modes. For example, the vehicle driving mode may only be able to execute any one of them.

[0132] Moreover, the distinction and display of the vehicle's driving modes may also be appropriately changed according to the laws or regulations related to autonomous driving in each country. Similarly, the respective definitions of "full autonomous driving mode", "high driving assistance mode" and "driving assistance mode" described in the description of this embodiment are only examples, and these definitions may also be appropriately changed according to the laws or regulations related to autonomous driving in each country.

[0133] The present international application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-078251 filed on April 27, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0134] The above description of the specific embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of illustration. They are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present invention to the described forms. According to the above description, many variations and changes can be made, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0135] Explanation of symbols

[0136] 1: vehicle; 2: vehicle system; 3: vehicle control unit; 18: windshield; 20: head-up display (HUD); 21: HUD main body; 22: main body housing; 23: emission window; 24 (24A to 24D): image generating device; 25: control unit; 26: concave mirror (an example of a reflecting unit); 110: light source substrate; 111: light source; 111A: first light source; 111B: second light source; 120, 220, 320: lens; 121A: first region; 121B: second region; 122A, 122B: incident surface; 123A, 123B 123B: emission surface; 124A, 124B: vertical wall surface; 130: display device; 140, 340, 440: lens holder; 143, 443: frame portion; 143A, 443A: front frame portion; 143B, 443B: rear frame portion; 144, 165, 225, 325: shading portion; 150: heat sink; 160: PGU housing; 170: space; 321A: first area; 321B: second area; 321C: third area; 444: reflecting portion (shading portion); 444A: first reflecting surface; 444B: second reflecting surface.

Claims

1. An image generating device for generating an image for a head-up display, characterized in that: have: The first light source; a second light source, the second light source being arranged at a constant distance from the first light source; a lens that transmits light emitted from the first light source and the second light source; as well as A display device that forms light for generating the image using the light transmitted through the lens, The lens is composed of a first region that transmits the first light from the first light source and a second region that is connected in parallel with the first region and transmits the second light from the second light source. The image generating device further includes a light shielding portion configured to prevent the first light from transmitting through the second region and to prevent the second light from transmitting through the first region.

2. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A holding frame is also provided, the holding frame holding the lens, The light shielding portion is provided on the holding frame in a state of being arranged between the first light source and the second light source in a space formed between the first light source and the second light source and the lens.

3. The image generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light shielding portion further includes a textured surface provided between the first region and the second region on the incident surface of the lens.

4. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light shielding portion is a protruding portion that protrudes from a third region formed between the first region and the second region on the incident surface of the lens toward the first light source and the second light source side.

5. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light shielding portion is a textured surface provided between the first region and the second region on the incident surface of the lens.

6. The image generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light shielding portion includes a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface. The first reflecting surface is arranged in a space formed between the first light source, the second light source and the lens at a position that reflects light from the first light source toward the second area toward the first area. The second reflecting surface is arranged in the space at a position that reflects light from the second light source toward the first region toward the second region.

7. The image generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The incident surface and the emitting surface of each of the first region and the second region are both aspherical lenses formed into convex surfaces.

8. A head-up display, characterized in that: have: The image generating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7; and and at least one reflecting unit configured to reflect the light emitted by the image generating device so as to irradiate the light toward a windshield or a combiner.

Images